Madden 26 Gives Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy a Surprisingly Low Rating Despite being Minnesota’s starter, McCarthy enters Madden 26 rated below multiple backups

After missing the entire 2024 season with a knee injury, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy finally enters the 2025 season as the team’s starter. But in Madden NFL 26, he starts with just a 73 overall rating, ranking 28th among quarterbacks.

While it makes sense that EA Sports wants to see proof on the field before bumping up his numbers, McCarthy’s rating has drawn attention for being lower than multiple Vikings backups.

📉 Lower Than His Own Teammates

Heading into Week 1, McCarthy shares his 73 rating with RB Ty Chandler—the team’s third-string back. Other Vikings with ratings equal to or higher than McCarthy include:

Jalen Nailor (WR) – 74 OVR
Eric Wilson (LB) – 73 OVR
Will Reichard (K) – 75 OVR
Ryan Wright (P) – 75 OVR

For a quarterback expected to lead Minnesota this season, those comparisons feel strange, especially since Madden traditionally avoids projecting potential and focuses on past production.

💪 A Chance to Improve

Despite the low starting point, McCarthy has a golden opportunity to climb the Madden ratings this year. The Vikings are placing their trust in him as QB1, and with superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson (99 OVR) as his primary target, the rookie could prove doubters wrong quickly.

If McCarthy can stay healthy and deliver on the field, it’s likely his rating will rise as EA Sports adjusts player stats throughout the season.

🔥 The Bottom Line

J.J. McCarthy’s 73 overall rating in Madden 26 highlights how cautious EA Sports is when rating unproven players. While his numbers look underwhelming compared to teammates, McCarthy’s performance in the 2025 season will determine how long he stays in that range.